Pasta

Campaneli with Asparagus, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze

Campaneli
Source of Recipe
Cook's, April 2007
Serves/Makes/Yields
2

Campanelli is a frilly trumpet-shaped pasta. If you cannot find it, fusilli works well. Take care not to overreduce the vinegar, or it will become bitter.

Toasted Orzo with Peas and Parmesan

Toasted Orzo with Peas and Parmesan
Source of Recipe
Cook's, May 2003
Serves/Makes/Yields
Serves 6 to 8 as a side dish.

Starting with an uncovered pan, toast the orzo with butter and onions and then add a combination of vermouth and chicken broth, cooking over moderate heat. Finely grated Parmesan makes the pilaf creamier, and a pinch of nutmeg points up the cheese's nuttiness. The dish is now ready for Mediterranean inspiration.

Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, Capers, and Pine Nuts

Recipe Photo: Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, Capers, and Pine Nuts
Source of Recipe
Cook's Illustrated, March & April 2005
Serves/Makes/Yields
4 to 6

Grape tomatoes can be substituted, but because they also tend to be sweeter, you will want to reduce or even omit the sugar. Do likewise if your cherry tomatoes are very sweet, but this is less likely when using winter cherry tomatoes.

 

Farfalle with Cherry Tomatoes, Arugula, and Goat Cheese

Recipe Photo: Uncooked farfalle
Source of Recipe
Cook's Illustrated, March & April 2005
Serves/Makes/Yields
4 to 6

Grape tomatoes can be substituted, but because they also tend to be sweeter, you will want to reduce or even omit the sugar. Do likewise if your cherry tomatoes are very sweet, but this is less likely when using winter cherry tomatoes.

 

Penne with Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic, and Basil

Penne with Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic, and Basil
Source of Recipe
Cook's Illustrated, March & April 2005
Serves/Makes/Yields
4 to 6

Grape tomatoes can be substituted, but because they also tend to be sweeter, you will want to reduce or even omit the sugar. Do likewise if your cherry tomatoes are very sweet, but this is less likely when using winter cherry tomatoes. 

Linguine with Corn and Sage

Recipe Photo: Linguine with Corn and Sage
Source of Recipe
Boston Globe - August 5, 2009
Serves/Makes/Yields
4

Earthy sage-infused butter makes this sweet corn linguine a summertime standout. Serve it as an indulgent, meatless main course, or pair it with lemony roasted chicken. While you simmer linguine, cook sage, garlic, and corn just until the kernels are tender but still have some bite. Then toss them with the hot pasta. Not much to it, but you’ll impress vegetarians and omnivores alike.

 

Soba with Grilled Asparagus and Sea Scallops with Sweet Miso Sauce

Recipe Photo: Soba with Grilled Asparagus and Sea Scallops with Sweet Miso Sauce
Source of Recipe
Epicurious | July 2009
Serves/Makes/Yields
6

During the summer you can grill the asparagus outdoors. The smoky flavor of a wood charcoal fire adds complexity to this substantial meal. While I call for green asparagus, try making the dish with a colorful array of asparagus—green, white, and purple. White miso, which is called shiro-miso in Japanese can be found in health food stores. Smooth rather than grainy miso is preferable for this recipe.

 

Soba Salad with Spinach, Edamame and Miso Dressing

Recipe Photo: Soba Salad with Spinach, Edamame and Miso Dressing
Source of Recipe
MARK BITTMAN - NY Times, September 23, 2009
Serves/Makes/Yields
4

Noodles of all kinds are easy and beloved. But soba noodles, a staple of Japan, are special: they usually take no more than 3 to 4 minutes to cook and — because they’re made from buckwheat — have a slightly firm texture and a nutty flavor. Traditionally, soba are served hot and cold, making them a flexible partner for almost any fresh ingredients you have in the kitchen.

Pasta e fagioli (Italian pasta and beans)

Recipe Photo: Pasta e fagioli (Italian pasta and beans)
Source of Recipe
Boston Globe - October 14, 2009
Serves/Makes/Yields
6

In some Italian-American kitchens, the traditional pasta e fagioli is pronounced pasta fajool. One of the authentic versions of the dish begins with cranberry beans, also known as shell beans, and in Italy as borlotti beans. They have red and white marbled pots, really stunning, and they're labor intensive to peel. Each pod -- don't get the green ones because the beans aren't ripe -- yields 3 or 4 beans. Watch a movie or daydream (I prefer the latter).